Cost Efficiency: One of the primary attractions of off-plan properties is their cost efficiency. Buyers can secure properties at lower prices compared to completed units, often with a small deposit of around 10-20% of the property’s value. This makes it a more accessible option for many, particularly first-time buyers and investors looking for high returns​

Customizability and Selection: Off-plan purchases allow buyers to choose their preferred units from new developments, giving them the opportunity to select locations, layouts, and other features that suit their needs. This level of customization is rarely available in the secondary market​.

Investment Potential: For investors, off-plan properties offer significant potential for capital appreciation. By buying at today’s prices and taking possession upon completion, investors can benefit from market value increases over the construction period. In regions like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this has become a particularly attractive proposition given the robust real estate growth and development of premium properties by leading developers.

Economic Factors: Economic conditions and market trends also play a crucial role. The volatility in property prices and the challenges in obtaining mortgages for completed properties can be mitigated by the structured payment plans often associated with off-plan purchases. This financial flexibility is appealing in uncertain economic climates​ (RWinvest)​.

The surge in demand for off-plan properties underscores a strategic adaptation to the current housing market's challenges. Both residents and investors are leveraging the cost efficiency, customizability, and substantial investment potential that off-plan units offer. These advantages, combined with favorable economic factors and structured payment plans, make off-plan properties a compelling option amidst the ongoing shortage of affordable housing. As this trend continues to gain momentum, it highlights a significant shift in how buyers and investors navigate and capitalize on the real estate market.